Our biggest otter rescue

OUR BIGGEST OTTER RESCUE

On November 16th, 2018, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Nam Dinh City Police Department, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife in collaboration with Cuc Phuong National Park rescued 10 otters, identified as Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus). Police Department of Nam Dinh City seized these individuals on November 15th, as they were transported through Tran Phu and Hoang Hoa Tham crossroads. The source and origins of these individuals are unknown. Nam Dinh Police is still investigating the case.

Mr. Tran Quang Phuong, Manager of Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program, said, “After receiving the news from the police, our Rapid Response Team immediately brought our veterinary first-aid kit and rescue boxes to the scene. Never have we rescued so many otters before!”

A total of 10 individuals of otter were safely transferred to our rescue center. According to the initial health-check, these otters appeared to be in stable condition and not injured. They will be thoroughly and further cared for in our quarantine enclosures.

Asian Small-clawed Otter is included in the Red Book of Vietnam, as stipulated in Appendix 1 of Decree 160/2013 / NĐ-CP dated 12/11/2013, considered as one of extremely rare and should be prioritized for protection species in Vietnam and the world. However, their populations in Vietnam are dramatically declining due to illegal hunting, pet trading, fur consumption, habitat loss, and pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen law enforcement to prevent wildlife hunting and trading, implement effective conservation programs to protect these endangered species from extinction.